Lawyers with
entrepreneurial spirit

James Williams

Partner - Construction

Professional Background

James specialises in non-contentious construction matters and has experience of acting for contractors, developers, consultants and funders in various projects in the UK, throughout the Middle East and in Australia. His experience covers drafting and negotiating building contracts, consultancy agreements, warranties and also ancillary documents such as performance bonds, parent company guarantees, supply contracts and facility management contracts.

James has run the London Marathon (twice) and has played rugby in Wales, England and Australia.

Work highlights – advising:

a subcontractor engaged in the construction of the new national stadium for the English Football Association, Wembley, London

a developer engaged in the development and regeneration of parts of the West Midlands

a consortium tendering for a multi-billion dollar project for the Saudi Arabian Government and attending a three day negotiation in Paris involving American and European subcontractors

a developer on the design and construction of a new factory premises in Abu Dhabi with a contract value of approximately 2bn United Arab Emirates Dirhams

a major Australian contractor on the construction of a five green star rated new office tower, with retail and recreational facilities in Brisbane, Australia. Contract value of approx $AU80m

a contractor to undertake a risk analysis and advise on a mining contract for an open cut coal mine in New South Wales, Australia. Worth approx $AU 80m

Education

James studied at the University of Wales and the College of Law in Chester. Legal career: Wragge & Co, Minter Ellison (Brisbane and Sydney) and Trowers and Hamlins (Dubai). While in the Middle East James also worked at the largest law firm in the region and worked in-house for a government developer. James has now relocated back to his native country of Wales and joined Acuity in 2014.

The directories say...

"He clearly knows his subject matter and is able to unravel very complex legal issues to deliver solutions to his clients."

Chambers UK

Non-contentious practitioner James Williams advises on a wide range of contractual matters and is a particular expert in regeneration and development schemes. "James is a knowledgeable, reassuring and hands-on lawyer," according to one source, while another interviewee notes: "He clearly knows his subject matter and is able to unravel very complex legal issues to deliver solutions to his clients."

Chambers UK

Team head James Williams and senior associate Jonathan Culley provide ‘an excellent service and clear guidance.